Finally RV’ers have a solar product that’s not only durable and affordable but one that matches or out performs the competition in almost every respect. Energy Del Sol’s low profile, thin-film Flex Power Mat™ integrates Uni-Solar’s proven photovoltaic laminate (PVL) technology and Energy Del Sol’s exclusive adhesive mounting system to provide an eco-friendly power option that seems tailor made for RVing and Overlanding.
What’s so different about the Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat?
An individual Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ generates solar energy up to a maximum of 68Watts, 4.1AMP’s and 16.5Volts. This is sufficient to charge two 6 Volt batteries or one 12 Volt battery in 7-10 hours. The Flex Power Mat™ is 9’ 5” long by 15.5 inches wide (17.5 inches including the edging strips) and is less than an eighth of an inch thick. The PVL mat is backed with a micro sealant adhesive which holds it securely to the roof of the RV. Sturdy adhesive backed rubber edging strips are then applied around the edge of the mat which is also anchored at either end by self-tapping galvanized steel screws (the original design used screws all the way around).
Traditional solar panels apply 2 to 3 pounds of pressure per square foot to a roof. By contrast, Energy Del Sol’s laminate mats apply just 0.7 pounds of pressure per square foot. This light weight design minimizes “wind drag” and ensures that the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle will not be impaired. The only raised element in the installation is the ABS wire connection box which sits just proud of the mat.
The durability of solar panels is a key factor in the purchasing process. Conventional crystalline solar panels are often a poor long term choice for RV’ers as they are heavy, require mounting and may be damaged by the constant vibration that an RV is subjected to when on the road. The Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ is constructed from EPDM synthetic rubber that not only allows the mat to withstand everyday travel but also helps resist damage from both UV radiation and from impacts. In addition, the mat’s heavy duty construction makes the product tolerant of extreme temperature variations and severe weather conditions (including hail). This will no doubt be particularly attractive to overlanding enthusiasts where the resilience and dependability of components and accessories is vital to a successful expedition.
The efficiency of the Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ is the key to its success. The mat uses triple-junction amorphous silicon construction. Each cell is composed of three semiconductor junctions stacked on top of each other. The bottom cell absorbs the red light, the middle cell absorbs the green light and the top cell absorbs the blue light. This spectrum splitting capability is the key to the mat’s higher efficiency which is described by Uni-Solar as providing “a superior irradiance coefficient which provides better performance at non-ideal angles of incidence and in low and diffuse light.” (see slideshow for PVL graphic). In layman’s terms this means that the flush mounted photovoltaic laminate mats – unlike their crystalline counterparts - don’t have to be tilted toward the sun and will produce energy from dawn to dusk even when overcast or shadowed by trees. By contrast, crystalline panels that are not tilted can lose up to 40% of their energy production capability. Worse still, if 25% of the crystalline panel is in shadow the entire panel may cease producing power. Shadowing of a single cell on the Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ will lead to an output loss of less than 4.5% - because the mat uses bypass diodes across each cell – whilst shadowing of a single cell on a crystalline panel could lead to an output loss of 30%. According to Mount Union College in Ohio – who installed a roof mounted Uni-Solar system in 2009 - the thin film solar mats remain “over 80 percent efficient with as much as 2 inches of snow covering them.”
Is the Flex Power Mat just a glorified battery charger?
The answer is a resounding no. The Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ can do as little or as much as you want it to. If your RV isn’t equipped with a generator you will have to rely on shore power or an external charger or battery tender to keep your battery bank topped up. A single Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat™ can relieve you of this chore – and the expense of replacing multiple dead batteries - and ensure that whether you’re overlanding, boon docking or just storing your RV over winter your batteries will always be in tip top condition.
But you can go much further than this. If you have an inverter – or install one - you can run almost all of you electrical appliances using the photovoltaic laminate mats. Jim Denning, 61, an Alliance, Ohio based RV owner recently installed ten power mats on his 3-slide, 42 foot KZ Sportster Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler. Jim and Barbara – who will be full timing from October - want their rig to be completely self-contained. Their solar power system can deliver up to 680 Watts and is coupled to a bank of ten 110amp 6Volt batteries and a 3000W inverter. This should be sufficient to run everything in the fiver with the exception of the clothes dryer and the air conditioning unit. Jim’s first Flex Power Mat solar shakedown cruise will be with a chapter of his local Good Sam Club in southern Ohio next week. You can see the results of Jim's shakedown tests in this recent "shakedown test" article.
Can I install the Flex Power Mat myself?
Flex Energy recommends that their power mats are installed by a certified solar installer. However, if you are a competent electrician and can handle a power drill, jigsaw (to recess the controller) and a screwdriver then you should be able to complete the install within 2-4 hours (see slideshow and video for install walk through and technical data). Manny Bertado of Torrance, California based Meyers RV was able to install two Flex Energy solar power mats – his first install of this particular solar system - along with the Sunforce solar controller within 4 hours. Manny - a 12-year veteran at Meyer’s RV - hooked into my existing inverter circuit and consequently didn’t need to run any additional wiring. Obviously, if you’re adding an inverter you’ll need to allow extra time for the install (probably another 2-4 hours). The power mats come with almost everything you’ll need but if you’re going to route the 10 AWG power cable through the roof of your RV you’ll also need some Dicor self-leveling sealant and a cable cover.
Where can I buy the Flex Power Mat?
You can purchase the mats directly from: Energy Del Sol, LLC, 3800 Running Iron Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305. Tel: 1-928-771-0311.
The basic Flex Power Mat Kit (ADH-PM68) – includes one power mat plus a 12Volt, 30amp Digital Charge Controller, screws, connectors & 25’ of UV coated red and black 10 AWG wire. Additional power mats (ADH-PM68) can be purchased as required. The product comes with a 25 year warranty on power output at 80%.
Dyers RV Parts & Accessories is currently offering the kit for $599.98 and Southern California RV dealer Mike Thompson are running a Flex Energy solar promotion for existing customers until May 31st. The Mike Thompson offer provides the Flex Power Mat Kit fully installed for $1149 plus tax. You must present the postcard that you received from Mike Thompson in order to eligible for this deal.
Installing the Flex Power Mat can lower your tax bill:
The federal government is offering a 30% residential energy tax credit on batteries, panels, wiring and Installation costs associated with a solar purchase for your home or Recreational Vehicle. The 30% tax credit is good on any solar system placed in service prior to 2016. You can also check with the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for any additional solar incentives and rebate programs that may be in operation.
Energy Del Sol Flex Power Mat Technical Data & Testimonials:
Maximum Power: 68W | Voltage at Maximum Power: 16.5V | Current at Maximum Power: 4.1A | Short-circuit Current: 5.1A | Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 8A | Normal operating cell temperatures 50°C to 70°C (with no back ventilation) | Maximum Recommended Roof Temperature: 85°C (185°F) | Video: Interview with Bob Thomas of Energy Del Sol Video: Uni-Solar Testimonials |
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